Nodes need to be swollen?

Nov 17, 2000

Thank you for the time you take to answer questions!

I was the bottom recently and we practiced safe sex. The condom did not break and I feel pretty good about things. However, EXACTLY six weeks after this encounter my lymph nodes underneath my armpits got real painful. I could feel them and they were painful to the touch. This lasted for 2 weeks and went away. I can still find them if I feel around and they have not changed in size. So I am confident they were never swollen, only painful. During ARS do lymph nodes need to be swollen to be worried? Am I just a little paranoid. I never had any fever, aches, headaches, nothing. Just these painful nodes, and only in my pits. Please respond.

Response from Mr. Kull

Pain in your lymph nodes should be examined by a doctor. It could be indicative of other things besides HIV. Only a doctor can tell you if your lymph nodes are actually "swollen." Generally speaking, ARS is usually described as flu-like or mono-like, with symptoms such as fever and fatigue being very common.

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